Flavours of Portugal and Spain Festive Delights river cruise from Vila Nova de Gaia to Vega de Terron, 12 December 2026 (7 nights)

Wander through Porto’s colourful streets, sip on world-famous port wine, and take in the city’s historic architecture and riverside beauty.

A charming rural village at the confluence of the Douro River and the Tâmega, Entre-os-Rios is an escape from the hustle and bustle of the region’s busier river cruise destinations, inviting you to unwind in a stunning setting. You’ll also have the chance to indulge in sensational regional cuisines when visiting Entre-os-Rios, with the region’s vast vineyards inviting the development of a vibrant culinary landscape. An area of Portugal boasting unchanged landscapes, sunny summers, and a laid-back atmosphere ideal for immersing yourself in local life, Entre-os-Rios is a hidden gem worth looking forward to when cruising through Portugal along the Douro.

Peso da Régua, commonly known as Peso da Régua, is a historic city on the Douro River with an intriguing history integral to the production and sale of Port Wine around the world, stunning landscapes to admire, and a culinary landscape to match the prestige of the region’s vineyards. Home to the Real Companhia Geral da Agricultura das Vinhas do Alto Douro, which was founded in 1775 and created the world’s first demarcated wine production region, this charming town is flanked by terraced vineyards and was once a central hub for the distribution of Port wine barrels for ageing in local lodges. You don’t have to be a wine-lover to fall in love with Peso da Régua, though; it’s surrounded by stunning scenery, home to numerous restaurants serving sensational regional dishes, and boasts plenty of places for you to kick your feet up and relish in the glorious sunshine this part of the world often enjoys.

A picture-perfect town on the banks of the Douro River, Pinhão is a hidden gem in the heart of wine country. Home to idyllic riverside walking routes and sprawling hills that provide a scenic backdrop to every unforgettable moment, a visit to Pinhão invites you to indulge in authentic regional cuisine and unwind in the glorious Iberian sunshine. You’ll find several renowned restaurants and wineries within a short distance of one another here, with the region itself known for producing excellent Port alongside fruit-forward whites and reds. Pinhão is also a great destination for hiking, with several popular routes taking you to jaw-dropping viewpoints in the surrounding hills. You’ll just want to remember to bring some water with you; you’re not going to come across many shaded spots when exploring Pinhão’s rolling hills. However you decide to spend your time here, you can rest assured knowing it will be a rewarding addition to your Douro River cruise.

Situated at the meeting point between the Douro River and the Águeda, and at the border between Spain and Portugal, Vega de Terrón is a charming village boasting vibrant countryside culture with an incredible culinary landscape to explore, as well as stunning mountainous scenery and an abundance of historic sites just a stone’s throw away. So, no matter what type of onshore experience you’re after, you’ll find something to suit during your time here. This region is perfect for riverside strolling and hillside hikes alike, but it’s also an ideal place to sit and soak up the Iberian Peninsula’s sunshine with something refreshing. If you’re prepared to travel further afield, you’ll find landmarks like Castelo de Castelo Melhor, Torre de Almofala, and Miradouro de São Gabriel within reach, as well as numerous historic railway bridges and tunnels along the mountainous border between Spain and Portugal.